OEMs and the Export Model for Safety

In fact, an increasing number of OEMs are following European safety requirements not only to help with overseas sales, but to boost sales in the U.S. through increased safety aspects.

To help you understand the structure of European machine safety standards, see the chart below from Siemens Industry.

According to Siemens Industry, when using type C Standards, they should be checked to ensure that they are up-to-date. It should also be noted that it is not mandatory to apply the standard; however, the safety objectives must be achieved.

If there are no specific European standards that apply to a given circumstance for an OEM, the manufacturer can then apply “national standards” appropriate to the area in which the machine is to be sold and used. Siemens notes that, by applying ratified standards, “the manufacturer can prove that recognized state-of-the-art technology was fulfilled.”

>> Read Automation World's complete coverage: Adapting To The New Machine Safety Standard